Since the beginning of Henry Holland’s career as a designer, fun has been an integral part of the machine.

After graduating from The London College of Printing with a BA in journalism, Holland landed a day job in an office.  To amuse himself he started printing off cheeky slogan t-shirts, which I’m sure you are all more than familiar with, from his flat that took the fashion World by storm. Because he was only doing this as a side project and had no thoughts about his future career as a designer, he had free range to create whatever he liked. This manifesto has continued on from there, meaning that House of Holland take chances and explore all areas of fashion through their collections.

He played on his initial success and was offered a place showing at Fashion East in London Fashion Week off the back of his slogans. This gave him the foot in the door he needed to make fashion his day job. I’ve had a look back over his career, taking apart each collection and brought

A/W 07 – One Trick Pony

Key Pieces: Slogan Tees

Colour Palette: Bright, vibrant and young.

Fabrics: Cotton and Plastic

Accessories: Lace up shoes, boots, knee high socks and bags

Unique Point: Humour with cheeky T Shirts in super bright colours.

Menswear: Slogan Tees and not much else...

S/S 08 - Stephanie and Axl

Key Pieces: Rock inspired jackets

Colour Palette: Dark with splashes of turquoise, orange and pink.

Fabrics: Leather, denim and Plastic.

Accessories: Platform Heels, backpacks and studded handbags.

Unique Point: Studded, multicoloured leathers.

Menswear: Studded leather, shorts, panelled leggings and long length vests.

A/W 08 -  Passio Factionis

Key Pieces: Tartan mini kilts

Colour Palette: Purple tartan and muted brights

Fabrics: Tartan, knit and denim.

Accessories: Sporrans, hold-alls and lace up platforms.

Unique Point: Brightly coloured tartan and crests.

Menswear:Tartan Suits, trenches and faux fur jackets.

S/S 09 - Sex, Lies and Volleyball

Key Pieces: Floral, floaty and feminine dresses.

Colour Palette: Soft, muted floral prints and contrasting polka dots.

Fabrics:Chiffon, cotton and denim.

Accessories: Leather handbags and shoes by Atalanta Weller.

Unique Point: Mixture of florals and polka dots create a unique look.

Menswear: Cut out jeans, Chiffon floral blazers and slip on shoes.

A/W 09 - Colour Me Happy

Key Pieces: Tailored suits.

Colour Palette: Inspired by Pantones, block of colour in green, blue, purple and pink.

Fabrics: Cotton and silk.

Accessories:Large handbags, fur muffs, chunky jewellery and Atalanta Weller platforms.

Unique Point: Block, striped colours for tailored pieces.

Menswear: Tailored suits - double breasted, single breasted and three piece.

S/S 10 - Give to me your leather, Take from me your lace

Key Pieces: Leather and denim bodycon dresses

Colour Palette: Nude, black and stonewashed denim.

Fabrics: Leather, denim, lace and knit.

Accessories: Leather handbags, sunglasses and laced platforms.

Unique Point: Mixture of tailored suits, bodycon denim, leather and lace.

Menswear:Suits and waistcoats with shorts. Double Denim and see through shirts.

A/W 10 - C.T.F.O It's only a show

Key Pieces: Acronym slogan tees and sheer, patterned tights.

Colour Palette: Pastels, black and denim.

Fabrics: Paisley, leather, fur, suede and jersey.

Accessories: Ankle boots with contrasting platforms.

Unique Point: 80's styling and paisley prints.

Menswear:Not applicable.

I can't help but wonder what we'll see next from Mr Holland, will he stick to his slogan tee roots or develop and evolve his tailored looks? I guess we'll just have to wait until next Fashion Week to see!

Henry Holland has recently drawn from all of his collections to create an extensive range for Debenhams, click here to shop. 

Henry Holland's signature Pretty Polly tights are available from MyTights.

Words by Clare Potts. Images courtesy of House of Holland.

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